Report: Google In Talks To Buy SoftcardIssue: Vol. 55, No. 2, February 2015TechCrunch reported the news on Jan. 16, citing sources that said the deal could be valued below $100 million. Such a deal would align Google with three of the U.S.'s largest wireless carriers...Author: Nick Montano

In Memoriam: Bill Murphy, Respected Coinco Exec, 68Issue: Vol. 55, No. 1, January 2015
To many in the industry, Bill Murphy was the face of St. Louis-based Coin Acceptors. "Bill never let any of his health issues keep him from doing what he so loved to do, and that was to be out in front of customers and selling Coinco products," according to his family...Author: Emily Jed

New Vending Blog: 'Dr. K's Tech Times' Features Mike KasavanaIssue: Vol. 55, No. 2, February 2015"Dr. K's Tech Times" is written by Michael L. Kasavana, Ph.D., a NAMA knowledge source partner and industry tech expert. Kasavana is the emeritus NAMA endowed professor at the School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University...Author: by Staff Reporter

'Taste New York' Vending Machines Make Highway Rest Area DebutIssue: Vol. 55, No. 2, February 2015The first two "Taste New York" vending machines are now operating at rest areas in Broome and Saratoga counties. The machines feature and promote agricultural items produced and processed in the Empire State...Author: Emily Jed

AnyWhere Self-Serve Lockers And Machines Take Vending Out Of The BoxIssue: Vol. 55, No. 2, February 2015Apex Supply Chain Technologies is rolling out its AnyWhere vending machines and self-serve lockers. They allow brands to establish "omni-channel" relationships with consumers by enabling them to order from, ship to and pick up anywhere, 24/7...Author: Emily Jed

Coca-Cola To Slash Up To 1,800 JobsIssue: Vol. 55, No. 2, February 2015The cuts will impact employees at Coke's corporate headquarters and North American operations, both in Atlanta, as well as its international units...Author: Emily Jed

NAMA Publishes 2014's Micromarket Advocacy SummaryIssue: Vol. 55, No. 1, January 2015The National Automatic Merchandising Association has published a 2014 micromarket advocacy summary to provide its members with updates on the year's regulatory activities and progress in the micromarket channel...Author: Emily Jed

Big UK Bank Balks At Apple PayIssue: Vol. 55, No. 1, January 2015With Apple Pay nothing short of a roaring success in the U.S., the Silicon Valley giant is looking to bring its wave-and-pay technology for the iPhone 6 to Great Britain...Author: Hank Schlesinger

USA Technologies And Coca-Cola Refreshments Resolve Billing DisputeIssue: Vol. 55, No. 1, January 2015Terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but Coca-Cola Refreshments USA Inc., one of the nation's largest bottlers, said in statement that it "looks forward to continuing its relationship with USA Technologies..."Author: Nick Montano